Architects escape into the great outdoors by transforming a retro caravan into a mobile office

With the weather warming up, it’s getting progressively harder to stay put in the office and fight the urge to go outdoors. That’s why New Zealand-based architecture firm Studio106 decided to take their work on the road—literally. The architects transformed a semi-converted caravan into a tiny but functional nine-square-meter office that lets them enjoy gorgeous warm weather while still getting work done.

Trading in a 95-square-meter office for a temporary mobile space nearly ten times smaller was a challenge in creativity. The architects whittled down the furniture to only the basic necessities: computers, chairs, an office plant, a coffee station, a mini library of books and materials, as well as an A4 printer. The nine-square-meter converted camper can comfortably accommodate four, just two less people than in the larger stationary office. The camper also expands its footprint with an outdoor deck.

Studio106’s partnerships were integral to the success of the experimental project. The architects reached out to Retro Events for the semi-converted caravan; Refold, which provided portable and foldable working stations made from cardboard; and More than Print, which designed the #gonemobile sign affixed to the side of the caravan. The temporary mobile office was set outside from February 9 to February 19, 2016 at the Akarana Marine Sports Center and offered great views of New Zealand’s Okahu Bay. While the mobile office days are over for now, the architects wrote up a six-day diary of their time in the caravan office, complete with pros, cons, and advice for anyone hoping to conduct a similar experiment.